THIS JUST IN: Leading semiconductor company KLA celebrates two years of growth in Michigan

KLA, a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, is celebrating two years of growth in Ann Arbor, where the company has surpassed 200 hires and is under construction on its permanent building scheduled to open in 2021.

 

“Two years ago when we announced KLA’s plans for bringing our second North American headquarters to Michigan, we knew it was going to be an exceptional place to expand our R&D programs and develop a new AI center of excellence to continue solving complex customer problems,” said Chief Strategy Officer Bobby Bell. “Demands for innovations in semiconductors continue to increase as we see technologies like 5G and AI proliferate. We are pleased with our progress with more than 200 new hires at the Michigan site, even with the challenges of COVID in 2020. We are excited about our long-term growth plans and looking forward to the opening of our new campus within the next year."

When Silicon Valley-based KLA began searching for a site for its new R&D facility and second headquarters, the company considered more than 350 North American locations before choosing Michigan, citing Michigan’s attractive business climate, logistical assets, and rich talent base as just a few of the reasons for deciding to locate in Ann Arbor.

Announced in October 2018, the project was expected to generate $70 million in private investment and create 500 high-tech, high-wage jobs over the next five years. Within months, KLA more than doubled the investment amount and increased its commitment to 600 jobs. KLA is already ahead of schedule, exceeding its second benchmark by 50 jobs and several months. Even in the midst of a pandemic, the company is continuing to see momentum grow here in Michigan.

“KLA’s investment in Michigan is a clear example of how top attraction projects are finding opportunities to grow in the state even in the face of a global pandemic, and are playing a key role in the ongoing economic recovery efforts,” said Michigan Economic Development Corporation CEO Mark A. Burton. “KLA has been a great corporate partner these past two years, and we look forward to working with the company as it continues to grow and add jobs here.”

The company’s high-profile investment has also further established Michigan as a place where high-tech talent demands can be met, and tech and R&D companies can grow.

With its robust R&D talent base, logistical advantages, low cost of living, and overall quality of life, Michigan is one of the preeminent locations for high-tech companies to grow or relocate their business.

To read more about KLA’s success in Michigan, visit here: https://www.michiganbusiness.org/reports-data/success-stories/kla/.

To learn more about why companies are choosing Michigan, visit: www.michiganbusiness.org/why-michigan

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state’s marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan’s economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn, and Twitter.